How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding

February 15, 2022

Dreaming of an outdoor wedding? Here's what you need to know.

Planning an outdoor wedding can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a bit of preparation. You'll need to take into account the weather, the location, the decorations, and the food and drinks. Here are some tips for planning an outdoor wedding that will be sure to please everyone!

Start by choosing a location for your ceremony and reception.

You'll want to pick a place that will be a good fit both logistically and esthetically. If you're having a lot of guests, you'll probably need to rent chairs or benches, as most outdoor venues don't have seating included. Also, make sure the venue has some covered or indoor areas so your guests don’t end up soaked if it happens to rain. In addition to the ceremony space, consider where your reception will be. Make sure there's enough room for dancing if needed and plenty of tables for setting up food and drinks.

Decide on a date.

The time of year you decide to get married outdoors can greatly affect your experience. For example, a winter wedding can be beautiful, but there's a chance it could snow. On the other hand, if you have your heart set on an outdoor summer wedding, make sure to book your venue as soon as possible because many people will already have these dates booked well in advance.

Book your vendors early.

Whether you decide to have an outdoor or indoor wedding, you'll want to book all your vendors early on. You want to give them ample time to plan for you, so they're not scrambling at the last minute the day before your wedding!

Keep in mind that most outdoor venues will have their preferred list of vendors, so be sure to check with them first. Also, keep track of any vendor recommendations from friends or family members. If you can find a vendor who's familiar with your wedding site, it will make the day go much more smoothly!

Take the weather into consideration.

When planning an outdoor wedding, it's important to think about what kind of weather you're likely to have on the big day. Getting married in July might seem like a great idea, but it's hard not to wilt when the temperature is over 100 degrees! On the other hand, rain can make everything more difficult. At the very least, you'll need umbrellas or ponchos for your guests if it starts pouring unexpectedly. If you're lucky enough to have great weather, be sure to use that fact to your advantage! Make sure to put up plenty of decorations, and make sure they can withstand the sun or rain.

Choose your decorations.

The decorations you choose can make or break the feel of your wedding. For example, if you want to go for an elegant look, choose ivory or gold table linens and candles instead of colorful flowers. On the other hand, if you're planning a rustic-themed wedding, branches, twine, and greenery are great choices for centerpieces.

You'll also want to be sure your decorations are weather-proof! You can use heat lamps if you're worried about it getting too cool, or just keep the heaters on the tables where people will be sitting during the ceremony.

Remember the little details.

It's easy to get caught up in all of the big things, like choosing flowers or booking a location. However, it's the little details that will make your day special! If you're having a sit-down meal, try to seat everyone with others they know and enjoy talking to. You'll want to have some kind of entertainment that the guests can enjoy while they eat, whether it's a live band or just a photo slideshow.

Just remember that planning an outdoor wedding will require a little extra effort and forethought than an indoor one! If you're prepared and organized, though, your day should go off without a hitch.

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